9 chapters across the catalog
A new digital movement called "Blackout the System" is calling for a massive economic protest on September 17th. The website encourages participants to adjust W-4 tax withholdings, withdraw money from major banks in favor of credit unions, and cancel corporate subscriptions. The hosts analyze the site's high production value and its claims of participation across 28 countries.
Joe Biden Twitter Apology, "Uncle Joe" Touching Controversy
Joe Biden releases a video on Twitter addressing allegations of inappropriate touching, claiming he was attempting to make "human connections." He acknowledges that social norms regarding personal space have shifted and promises to be more mindful in the future. The hosts discuss the "unequal treatment" Biden receives compared to other figures targeted by the Me Too movement and analyze his "Uncle Joe" persona.
Jennifer, known as "Viking Mom," donates $400.17 and describes the social challenges of being a conservative in the San Francisco Bay Area. She discusses the "Walk Away" movement and the pressure to hide non-Democratic political affiliations in corporate environments like Facebook and Oracle. Having family roots in Sweden and Denmark, she also critiques the American perception of Scandinavian socialism, citing long wait times for medical services.
Feminization of the West and Workplace Flirting
The hosts discuss the "feminization of the Western male" and the changing dynamics of workplace culture, where flirting is increasingly discouraged. They briefly revisit the history of the suffragette movement, noting that early voting rights were tied to land ownership rather than just gender. The conversation concludes with a reflection on how the "No Agenda" show's direct support model allows them to speak freely without fear of being fired.
March for Our Lives Speeches, Voting Rhetoric, and Hands Across America
C-SPAN footage of the Washington D.C. rally features speakers using religious and patriotic rhetoric to urge youth registration for the Democratic party. The movement is compared to the 1986 "Hands Across America" event, suggesting that while such spectacles generate high emotion, they often fail to solve the underlying issues like homelessness or school safety. The "naive" nature of the student activists is noted as they are integrated into the political machine.
Social Movement Building, Ford Foundation Video Analysis
A promotional video from the Ford Foundation outlines the three components needed for successful social movements: political opportunity, organizational infrastructure, and engaged individuals. The video compares the success of the anti-apartheid movement with the failure of Occupy Wall Street and looks toward a "21st-century women's movement" focused on economic issues.
Over-socialization, Theodore Lessing, 1906 Fractal
Referencing philosopher Theodore Lessing, the hosts discuss the historical cycle of social movements in academia. They coin the term "1906 Fractal" to describe the recurring influence of specific political and social groups in educational institutions over the last century.
The hosts trace the origins of modern "entitlement" to the self-esteem movement of the late 20th century. They discuss humorous ways to engage with street activists and "grassroots" fundraisers, suggesting that pretending to be deaf or using insulting sign language could be an effective way to bypass their scripted talking points.
Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak discuss the phenomenon of users changing their Twitter icons to support social causes. They joke about starting their own movement or getting listeners to adopt a "No Agenda" icon, noting that many people forget to change their icons back after a trend ends.
